September 15, 2012

Ameren, one of the largest coal plant owners in Illinois, is
requesting special treatment that would allow it to continue polluting beyond
the legal standard ELPC helped pass in 2006. This summer, ELPC coordinated a
sign-on letter for nearly 100physicians and scientists from across the state as
well as additional public comments from ELPC eAdvocates to ask the state to
deny Ameren’s request.

The company cut a deal with the state 6 years ago – an
extension for complying with one part of the standard (mercury pollution) in
exchange for a more aggressive schedule for reducing other pollutants (sulfur
dioxide and nitrous oxide). The state held up its end of the bargain, and now
Ameren wants to walk away from its commitment. Other coal plant owners, such as
Dynegy, have already invested in equipment to meet the state standards and say
it is ‘challenging’ when one competitor seeks an exemption from rules others
have agreed to.

I'm a Master Naturalist and an outdoor enthusiast -- mostly kayaking, and I live on a Peninsula in the Chesapeake Bay. I'm the author of The Nature Fan, Nature Fan Activists, Green Earth Almanac, and Amanda's Geographic. Formerly, I ran the nationally syndicated column "National Green Activism" for The Examiner, and I was a key factor in the success of many campaigns. Make sure you don't miss a post, and subscribe by email! Thanks for reading.